Marylin Jean Pettis' Obituary
Marylin Jean (Bland) Pettis, age 77, of Moulton, passed away Friday, January 3, 2025 at MercyOne Medical Center in Centerville.
Marylin was born on September 4, 1947 in Centerville, Iowa, the daughter of Herbert and Earlene (Whicker) Bland. She was the oldest child in the family, with six younger brothers and two sisters. Marylin was raised in numerous areas all over the United States and the family moved back to the Centerville area in 1964. She graduated from Centerville High School with the Class of 1967. On December 30, 1967, Marylin was united in marriage to Johnny Pettis in Moulton, Iowa. To this union, two children were born, Rebecca and Rhonda.
Marylin worked for Moulton-Udell High School as a Librarian and Nurse's Aide for 28 years. She thoroughly enjoyed spending her days being around children at the school, and they also loved being around her. During this time, she was also on the Moulton City Council for 16 years, she was one of the very first EMT's for the Moulton Volunteer Ambulance Service, a member of the Rebekah Lodge in Moulton, as well as the Moulton Volunteer Fire Department for 15 years. On August 29, 1990, she was named as the Moulton Tribune Personality of the Week for being such an amazing woman and role model.
Marylin loved going to the casino, crocheting, flower gardening and taking care of children. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were Marylin's pride and joy.
Left to cherish Marylin's memory are her daughter, Rhonda Foster; granddaughters, Reba (Colby) Major and Wendy (Nick) Laughridge; grandson, Wyatt Foster; six great grandchildren, Hunter, Bentley, Addilyn, Brexlyn, Emma, and Mason; her brothers, Herb (Linda) Bland, Ross (Cindy) Bland, Charles (Donna) Bland, Mike (Susie) Bland, Tim Bland, and Anthony Bland; her sisters, Tammy Biggerstaff and Carole (Mark) Heilman; a special friend Dana (Mike) Young; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Marylin was preceded in death by her parents, Herb and Earlene Bland; her husband, John Pettis; daughter, Rebecca "Becky" Pettis; infant brother, David Bland; and an infant sister, Hope Bland.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at The American Legion, 116 North Main Street, in Moulton, Iowa. Memorials can be made to Reba Major, to be determined at a later date, and mailed to Thomas Funeral Home ATTN: Pettis Family at 501 N. 18th St. Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or face-book.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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